Melbourne Water has revealed the Upper Yarra catchment has received well-below average rainfall this year.
Melbourne Water executive general manager, service delivery, Sue Jackman said “Melbourne Water’s Upper Yarra catchment has received well below-average autumn and early winter rainfall as a result of Victoria’s warmest first half of the year since 1906.”
The Upper Yarra Reservoir is filled by rivers or rainfall that runs off the nearby forested water catchments and is only 63 per cent full when compared to 70 per cent last year in August.
The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed that the first six months of this year marked Victoria’s warmest start to a year since records began in 1906.
“Our interconnected network, bolstered by 50 billion litres of desalinated water flowing into Cardinia Reservoir, ensures we can maintain reliable supply without needing severe restrictions,” Ms Jackman said.
“That said, every drop saved makes a difference. Shorter showers, fixing leaky taps and avoiding use of hoses on hard surfaces, will all help stretch our shared water resources even further.”
